Theory on Beliefs

Question 1

Malinowski

Answer 1

Data from small illiterate societies (tribunals islands etc) sees religion as reinforcing social norms/values and promoting social solidarity. Doesn’t believe religion reflects society or that it’s the workshop of society. Believes religion is relevant to situations of emotional stress that threatens social solidarity

Question 2

Malinowski religion and life crises

Answer 2

Anxiety and tension disrupt social life and are produced by life crises. Funerals deny death expressing belief in immortality comforting mourners who provide support for each other and help control emotions and minimise disruption. Death is socially disruptive, funeral ceremony united the social group and social solidarity is created

Question 3

Malinowski, religion and control

Answer 3

Religious ritual surrounds situations where the outcome is unpredictable as produce anxiety/tension. Fishing in calm waters has no ritual but in the sea there are high levels of superstition and ritual used to reduce anxiety. Also unite the group and strengthen social solidarity

Question 4

Criticisms of Malinowski

Answer 4

Exaggerates the importance of religious rituals in helping people to cope.
Elaborate rituals associated with growth of crops, crops used for payment for wives, if can’t pay they fail to meet social obligations so rituals help maintain social prestige but doesn’t link to uncertainty or cementing social solidarity. Supported by rise in church attendances during times of war.

Question 5

Parsons, religion and value consensus

Answer 5

Human action is directed and controlled by norms of social systems. Cultural systems provides guidelines as beliefs/values which are integrated into norms for behaviour. Religion is part of the cultural system (10 commandments underpins British laws) guidelines apply to any situation not just one (thou shalt not kill impacts behaviour in arguments and suffering etc

Question 6

Parsons religion and social order

Answer 6

Addresses specific problems that occur in all societies and disrupt social life. Values are split in 2 categories;
Events that can’t be predicted/controlled, religion is a mechanism for adjustment and returning to normal life.
Uncertainty: events may need lots of effort but are impacted by uncontrolled factors. Rituals are used to adjust/come to terms with situations and maintain social stability

Question 7

Parsons religion and meaning

Answer 7

Events may cause individuals to question the meaning they give to things, religion provides a meaning (suffering is alleged to be imposed by god to test faith and punish sins and can bring rewards in heaven. Provision of meaning allows intellectual/emotional adjustment promoting order/stability in society